PIA Press Release2005/08/10

Kiwanis bares child-friendly activities

by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (10 August) -- Kiwanis clubs here have contributed to the development of Capiceño children through various activities undertaken to address issues and community needs of the younger population bracket to become productive members of the society in the future.

This was revealed during a press conference as part of the preparatory activities for the 30th yearly district convention of Kiwanis clubs in the Visayas and Mindanao in September here.

Major accomplishments of the local Kiwanis members include distribution of books and playground modules, circumcision of male children, feeding programs, information campaign activities on the rights of every child, and salt iodization.

The clubs continuing focus on children has earned the recognition of the United Nations Children’s Fund in 1999 when it became a signatory to a Covenant between the provincial government of Capiz and UNICEF for a Child-Friendly program implementation.

Other child-friendly initiatives of the organization are aimed to promote literacy, support youth sports and recreation, teach community service and leadership skills, and eliminate iodine deficiency disorders.

Meanwhile, the three-day gathering of some 500 members of the child-friendly Kiwanian family next month will be graced by Senator Mar Roxas, Mr. Sylvester Neal (Kiwanis International Trustee and Board Counselor from Auburn, USA), Dr. Steven Rood of the Asia Foundation, and local government officials.

District Governor Jose S. Altavas of the Kiwanis Philippine South District and a regular member of the Kiwanis Club of New Kapis which belongs to Panay Division, will preside over the opening ceremonies of the convention.

Altavas said that Roxas City serves as the seat of the civic organization’s Philippine South District.

Alfonso Bediones, Convention Chairman and Provincial Tourism Officer, said that the convention is expected to promote the local tourism industry and promote Roxas City as a place for business opportunities in the future. (PIA) [top]